The Brain Health Bulletin - November Edition
Welcome to the November edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!
The days are shorter, the air feels crisp, and the first hints of winter are settling in. November is a month of transition, between the golden calm of autumn and the excitement of the holidays just around the corner.
It’s also a time to pause and take care of ourselves as the year begins to wind down. Cooler weather can nudge us toward comfort foods and cozy evenings indoors, but our brains and bodies still crave movement, fresh air, and connection. Staying active, getting good sleep, and managing stress now helps us enter the holiday season with more energy and ease.
As we reflect on all that this year has brought, November invites us to slow down, nourish our minds, and strengthen the habits that support lasting brain health.
Inside this bulletin, you’ll find simple ways to stay focused, grounded, and well, no matter how chilly the days (or how busy the season) become.
Let’s step into November with warmth, gratitude, and care for our minds, our bodies, and each other. 🍂✨
Did You Know?
An article from Harvard Health Publishing highlights how social connection is one of the most powerful and often overlooked ways to protect your brain health. Whether through family gatherings, friendly chats, or shared activities, connecting with others can strengthen memory, attention, and emotional well-being.
Here’s what the research highlights:
Meaningful relationships keep your brain active. Engaging in regular conversations and shared experiences stimulates multiple areas of the brain, helping to preserve cognitive function.
Social support reduces stress. Feeling connected can lower levels of stress hormones and promote a sense of safety and calm, both key to maintaining brain health.
Positive interactions build resilience. Spending time with supportive people helps the brain adapt better to challenges and boosts emotional balance.
This research reminds us that nurturing our relationships isn’t just good for the heart; it’s vital for the brain, too. As the holidays approach, taking time to connect with loved ones can offer one of the most meaningful boosts to your mental well-being.
Quick Tip: Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, join a community activity, or simply enjoy a meal with friends or family. Small moments of connection can have lasting benefits for your brain.
The Science Behind Brain Health: Insights from Artificial Intelligence
A new article from Neuroscience News explores how artificial intelligence is helping scientists better understand the key factors that shape brain health across the lifespan. Using machine learning, researchers identified which lifestyle and health variables most strongly influence cognitive performance, from focus and reaction speed to overall attention.
Key Highlights:
What the research shows: Among 374 adults aged 19 to 82, age, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) emerged as the strongest predictors of cognitive performance. Individuals with healthier blood pressure and lower BMI tended to perform better on attention and processing speed tasks.
Why it matters for brain health: While age is an unavoidable factor, this study shows that maintaining healthy cardiovascular function and body weight can meaningfully support brain performance. Even small improvements in diet and physical activity were linked to sharper focus and faster thinking, especially for those with elevated blood pressure or BMI.
A closer look at the science: By using machine learning, researchers were able to detect subtle interactions between health and lifestyle variables that traditional analyses might miss. This data-driven approach provides a more nuanced picture of how everyday habits influence cognitive resilience as we age.
This piece is a powerful reminder that brain health is shaped by the choices we make daily, from staying active and eating well to managing blood pressure and stress. Even modest lifestyle adjustments can add up to meaningful cognitive benefits over time.
Event Schedule!
Stress and the Brain
Saturday, November 8 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it accumulates, it can have a significant impact on both the brain and the body.
Supplements for Brain Health - Fact or Fiction? with Dr. Seema Goyal
Tuesday, November 18 · 10:30 a.m. CST
In this eye-opening session, Dr. Seema Goyal will cut through the confusion and marketing hype to explore what science actually says about brain health supplements.
The Fascinating and Awful Topic of Pain with Tasha Stanton
Tuesday, December 9 · 7:00 p.m. CST
Pain is something we all experience—but what exactly is it, and why can it be so persistent and elusive?
The Impact of Sleep on the Brain
Thursday, December 18 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Sleep isn’t just downtime; it’s a powerful and essential process that keeps your brain healthy and resilient.
Recent Research & Recognition
This month, we’re highlighting a major publication from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) — the release Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults. This landmark paper integrates physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep into one comprehensive framework for adult health and well-being.
The guidelines, developed through national collaboration among leading scientists and health professionals, emphasize that what we do across the entire 24-hour day, not just during our workouts, shapes our overall health. By balancing regular movement, limited sedentary time, and restorative sleep, adults can better support cognitive function, physical fitness, and long-term vitality.
Earlier this October, Dr. Holly Bardutz attended the CSEP Annual Conference in London, Ontario, where this important work was featured. As part of the broader CSEP community, Holly shares in the mission to promote evidence-based approaches to movement and brain health, helping Canadians understand how daily habits influence cognitive and emotional well-being.
This publication represents a milestone in the effort to encourage healthier living across the lifespan, offering a clear, science-backed guide to what makes up a truly “healthy day.”
From Holly and all of us at Community & Company, we hope you’ve enjoyed this month's edition of The Brain Science Bulletin!
If you know someone who would find this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with them. They can also join our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website’s Contact Page.
Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate you! See you in the next edition.
Warm regards,
Holly Bardutz and the Community & Company Team
“You make your brain, then your brain makes you!”
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment.
